BLACKBURN AND SWEETZER

I hadn’t heard Steve & Barry’s was coming to the Beverly Connection until a reader (thanks Jules) tipped me off last week. Steve & Barry’s was nowhere on my radar until the whole Sarah Jessica Parker Bitten hubbub; I guess the stores are found mainly on and around college campuses, selling lounge and athletic wear with university logos, etc. I went at 9:40AM to see the line action and there were about 15 people there, which turned into 40+ in the next few minutes. Certainly nothing like H&M level craziness, but a couple girls in front of me, one a huge SJP fan, were visibly excited. They’d seen SJP on Oprah and had been checking online for updates.

The first 100 people got a $25 gift certificate and a chance to win a $2,500 shopping spree, which could possibly buy one of everything in-store at S&B with its $20 and under prices. Not much has changed in the former Old Navy space; it still looks a lot like Old Navy, in fact, and S&B seems comparable in terms of quality, though I would say overall Old Navy’s choices - women’s, men’s, and children - are better.


In terms of Bitten, stand-outs include a tank dress in either chocolate, steel gray, or purple ($19.98, pictured right); a stretch denim mini ($9.98); bermudas in navy, white, or khaki ($9.98); and rubber flip-flops in basic and bright hues for $2.98 that actually seem comfortable. Brushed metal necklaces - lockets and charms - were of better quality than I expected, especially in gold. Another group of 20-somethings were particularly enthused about a faux-leather, distressed handbag in gray, brown, or purple ($9.98), which was being put on the floor just as I was leaving. An adorable blue-and-white check puff sleeve ruffle button-down was too tight in the shoulders (pictured left), a problem I had with more than one top of the more tailored variety and heard others complaining about the same issue. Jeans, though 100% cotton, were itchy; I only tried on the boyfriend fit, but it wasn’t flattering. The line also includes a bunch of basic tops, tanks, and tees, some with splashy SJP-type graphics paying homage to Paris, NYC, the environment. Other pieces in the collection which look promising weren’t available. Can’t say I was blown away, but I’m glad the inexpensive line exists and that there continue to be more and more fashion-y choices accessible to those with limited cash flow.